The Impact of PTSD on First Responders

Abstract

First responders perform essential, life-saving procedures in emergency situations and are continually exposed to work-place trauma. There is a 10% prevalence rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among first responders and 80% of individuals diagnosed also meet the criteria for another disorder. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can produce a wide variety of symptoms that range in severity, from increased arousal to life-like flashbacks or hallucinations. Correlations have been found between multiple exposures to trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which put first responders at high risk for developing the disorder. This paper provides evidence of such and explores multiple interventions, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, that can be used to help this adversely impacted population. Due to its severity, further exploration of both prevention and treatment for victims experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder should be conducted as they are at risk for developing symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.